Traffic jam brewing for Astros on the infield

For the first time in a few years, the Astros may have a traffic jam approaching on the infield. As the spring nears its halfway point, at least eight players are vying for six infield spots and another — Rule 5 draftee Marwin Gonzalez — must be kept on the roster for the full season or be offered back to Boston.

Interestingly, the competition and subsequent decisions may be more difficult on the corners, where five players are duking it out for first and third base positions.

While Matt Downs is presently shown as the backup to Carlos Lee at first on the Astros’ depth chart, both Brett Wallace and Chris Johnson have seen time on the right corner spot. Meanwhile, as Jimmy Paredes returns to action in an effort to maintain his starting third base job, both Wallace and Johnson are also sharing time at the hot corner.

If the starting infield is Lee, Jose Altuve, Jed Lowrie and Paredes, that would leave only two spots, creating a game of musical chairs for Downs, Wallace, Johnson, Angel Sanchez and Gonzalez.

Of course, the starting lineup could change if Altuve doesn’t hit or if Mills determines Paredes is ready to re-assume the full time job. Either way, Oklahoma City could be the benefactor of an overcrowded Astros’ infield battle.

Wallace is getting every chance to prove himself at third and Downs seems a solid pick as the super sub who can play most any infield spot. One key thought to consider is that the Astros aren’t likely to keep players like Paredes, Wallace or Altuve on the roster as backups. If they aren’t starting in Houston, they’re more likely to get bumped to OKC to keep their edge. So which six players will make the final roster cut for the infield?

First base: Barring injury, Lee’s name is cemented at first base. Downs will likely remain the backup there.

Second base: Altuve continues to work on his swing in his attempt to take more pitches, thus increasing his OBP and efforts to get better pitches. Downs or Sanchez also loom as the obvious backup if Altuve falters.

Shortstop: Lowrie is the guy and hasn’t shown any reason that Mills will consider other options. Gonzalez is the only other true shortstop remaining in camp, but not hitting well (1-for-16). The Astros could choose to keep him on the roster to start the season while sending the others to OKC to continue to tune up. Of course, Sanchez is another up-the-middle option, but he’s not on the 40-man and Houston would have to clear a spot for him.

Third Base: Here’s the real log jam. Barring trade or injury, it’s possible the Astros could keep only one of Johnson, Paredes or Wallace on the opening day roster, sending the other two to start for OKC. This one could come down to how quickly Wallace re-adapts to third and how well Paredes returns from the injury. In my opinion, CJ is not a strong option as starter here. This could be the one spot, however, where the depth chart changes — flip-flopping Wallace for Paredes.